Antimicrobial and structural effects of different irrigation solutions on gutta-percha cones

PURPOSE To evaluate the alterations on the surface of gutta-percha cones (GPCs) on exposure to the different irrigation solutions and their possible antibacterial effect against Enterococcus faecalis. (E. faecalis). MATERIALS AND METHODS Disinfection ability of different solutions (5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine, 1% peracetic acid, and QMix) were tested with 96 GPCs and the time of exposure to each solution was 5 and 10 minutes, respectively. GPCs used in this study were contaminated with E.faecalis. After disinfection, GPCs were placed in tubes containing the medium and incubated at 37˚C for 7 days. All tubes were visually checked for turbidity at 24-hour intervals. About 92 new GPCs were analyzed by means of SEM/EDS to assess the topography and chemical elements present on their surface. The data generated was analyzed using Pearson chi-square test, p<0.05. RESULTS There were no significant statistical differences in disinfection quality between the irrigation solutions used on GPCs contaminated with E. faecalis (p>0.05). SEM/EDS analyses showed no alteration in the superficial features of GPCs after treating with various irrigation solutions. CONCLUSION QMix was found to be an effective agent for rapid disinfection of GPCs as well-known irrigation solutions. Irrigation solutions were found to have sterilized the GPCs after both 5 and 10 minutes of exposure.